"Sisters in Spirit" vigils are taking place across Canada on Friday, to shed light on and honour missing and murdered indigenous women. The Native Women's Association of Canada estimates that approximately 580 indigenous women have disappeared or been murdered in the past two decades. Indigenous women are also reportedly five to seven times more likely than other women in Canada to die as a result of violence.

Activists posted photos online from the vigil in front of the parliament in Ottawa, Ontario.

Vigils are held internationally & were started by women/communities to break the silence about missing/murdered Indigenous women/girls #MMIWNativeYouthSexHealth

Last month, activists launched a database to compile information about the missing and murdered women after a similar database closed down in 2010 following a loss of government funding.

It is understood that because #SistersInSpirit started to bring widespread attention to amount of #MMIW it was then defunded by gov in 2010Jessica Danforth

Canada angered many in September after rejecting a United Nations recommendation for a comprehensive review of the nearly 600 cases. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has also questioned the reported number.

Online, many expressed anger about the perceived lack of interest from the government in regards to the protection of indigenous women.

.@ChiefsofOntario How to get action on #MMIW? Change the context to "Missing & Murdered Caucasian Women" #cdnpoli #racism by inactionCarolyn Hudson

So many Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women in #Canada. The conservative # of 600 should be a reminder of when Canada stopped counting #MMIWTigerlily

I am ashamed of my country and gov't for allowing genocide to continue. #MMIWKrista Ellis

Our sisters are beautiful. Our sisters are powerful. Our sisters should expect to live without fear. #Anonymous #sistersinspirit #mmiwTara Williamson

A February Human Rights Watch report detailed allegations of abuse of indigenous women in British Columbia by the RCMP.

To further raise awareness about the issue, an art installation is set to open Saturday in Edmonton, Alberta. Artist Christi Belcourt launched the collaborative project, Walking With Our Sisters, in 2012 to highlight the treatment of indigenous women. More than 1,700 moccasin tops will be on display.